Depression is uniformly identified as psychopathology by diagnostic
systems such as the DSM-IV-TR and the ICD-10 and is viewed as a negatively
biased perception by cognitive theories. However, a number of psychological
and spiritual perspectives propose that the experience of depression may have
positive outcomes for some individuals in the form of psychological growth and
individuation, including theories from within the psychodynamic and humanistic
traditions. These perspectives informed the formulation of the individuation theory
of depression explored in this thesis. One empirically based perspective from
which growth is considered as a potential outcome of depression, is that of
depressive realism. This psychological stance of diminished self-deception in
depressed individuals compared with non-depressed individuals is viewed as an
opportunity for new levels of self-awareness and growth. The newly burgeoning
field of posttraumatic growth research provides another empirical model from
which the individuation theory of depression is explored in this thesis.
The current research examined the relationships among depression, selfdeception
and psychological growth in two studies. The first study used selfreport
methodology, incorporating measures of prior and current depression, selfdeception
(in the form of denial and positive illusions) and psychological growth
(in the form of self-actualisation, adversarial growth and level of egodevelopment).
The sample consisted of 132 women and 58 men (M=36 years,
SD=14.4) who were divided into previously depressed (n=51), currently
depressed (n=45), and never depressed (n=87) groups. The hypotheses
regarding the individuation theory of depressive realism were partially supported
by the enduring nature of diminished denial and a greater sense of positive personal change as sequelae of depression. Results suggest that the patterns of
negative thinking and diminished use of positive illusions that are typically found
in depressed individuals, subside after recovery from depression, but that the
diminished use of denial endures. Also as predicted, a sense of positive personal
change was significantly greater in the previously depressed group as compared
with the never depressed group, particularly in the forms of personal strength and
appreciation of life. Self-actualisation scores, however, were similar between the
two groups. Contrary to expectations, no sex differences were evident for either
the self-deception or the growth variables. Self-actualisation was significantly
higher at the highest levels of ego development compared with the lowest as
expected, yet levels of growth and self-deception were not significantly different
between the levels of ego development. Preliminary analysis of qualitative data
derived from responses to open-ended questions about change as a result of
depression, reflected predominately positive themes of adversarial growth and
benefit from the experience, especially in those of high ego-development. This
formed the basis for the focus of the second study, which was an in-depth
qualitative investigation.
The second study examined the individuation theory of depression further
via interviews with 10 women and 6 men of high ego development who had
experienced a significant depression in their lives. After describing their
experiences of depression, the respondents were asked to elaborate upon the
ways in which they felt they had been changed by their depression. Themes were
overwhelmingly positive and the most commonly reported responses were those
of a changed perception of self through a newfound inner strength, greater selfworth
and self-acceptance. Enhanced empathy and compassion were also reported, as were changed priorities and a greater appreciation of life, especially
in aspects of simplicity. Recognition of choices and acceptance of personal
responsibility for the choices made were prominent themes in some accounts,
and a number of interviewees reported the need to revise their approach to
spirituality. Although less prominent in their accounts, negative changes included
an increased sense of vulnerability and sensitivity as a mixed blessing, and the
need for ongoing management of the risk factors for depression in their lifestyle.
Some degree of cynicism about aspects of life was evident in a few respondents.
Paradoxes emerged in the interviewees� material congruent with high levels of
ego development. For example, some individuals� accounts included perceptions
of increased strength in parallel with awareness of greater degrees of
vulnerability.
Results from the two studies provide plausible evidence for the notion that
growth is not only possible, but is also a commonly experienced outcome of
depression, especially in those at higher levels of ego development. The salutary
nature of depression is discussed in relation to the theories presented and an
argument is made for a more developmentally defined and differentiated
understanding of depressive experience than cognitive definitions and
pathological labels generally afford. Suggestions are made for directions for
further research into the individuation theory of depression, including deepening
our understanding of the potential for growth as a result of depression at other
levels of ego-development.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/216554 |
| Date | January 2004 |
| Creators | Peyton, Amanda, mandypeyton@yahoo.com |
| Publisher | Swinburne University of Technology. |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | http://www.swin.edu.au/), Copyright Amanda Peyton |
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